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Frequently Asked Questions for Fellows

FAQ for Fellows

Which organizations will be participating?

Companies, cities, universities and nonprofits of any size, located anywhere throughout the United States, can hire an EDF Climate Corps fellow. A list of 2020 host organizations will be available to candidates during the interview process and fellows are matched with host organizations based on their location, industry and project type preferences. See a full list of past organizations here.

How many hosts and fellows participate each summer?

Can students apply to a specific organization?

Applicants cannot apply to a specific organization, but a list of 2020 host organizations and projects will be available to candidates during the interview process. Fellows will be able to indicate there preferences in organization, location, sector and project. Fellows are then matched based on their relevant experience, host organization needs and applicant preferences.

Can international students apply?

We welcome applications from anyone who fits the criteria of the program and is eligible to work in the United States during the summer. If you are an international student, please make it clear on your application that you are eligible to work in the United States when applying. See our Work Authorization Policy for more information.

How long is the fellowship?

What are my work hours over the summer?

We expect fellows to work 40 hours a week with start/end times dependent on the norm of the organization at which they are placed. Depending on your progress and the complexity of the project, you may find that you have to work more than 40 hours in some weeks to complete your analysis.

Is attendance to the four-day training mandatory?

All fellows are expected to attend the training event. The training gives fellows the opportunity to meet other fellows and EDF staff, learn about energy management and sustainability and discuss responsibilities for the summer. Last year's agenda can be found here.

What is the host organization’s commitment?

EDF Climate Corps host organizations agree that they will:

Provide a fellow salary of at least $1,250 per week for at least ten weeks and $2,500 for fellow travel and accommodations at the training and annual network event. Price will vary for our China program.

Make accessible relevant records and information such as energy audits or utility bill information

Implement fellow recommendations at the discretion of the organization

Provide EDF with updates on implementation after fellowship completion

Typically, host organizations onboard their fellows as “interns” or “term employees.” Ultimately, it is up to the host organization to work with their HR department to figure out best way to classify and work with their fellows. There is no expectation by EDF Climate Corps to provide benefits in addition to the fellow salary.

Does EDF or the host organization provide summer housing or transportation?

EDF does not provide fellows with summer housing or transportation to the cities of summer employment. Host organizations are not required to provide this either; however, fellows can check with their managers to see if this is offered for their host organization’s fellows.

Are there full-time opportunities available with the host organization or EDF after the fellowship is completed?

EDF Climate Corps does not have automatic conversion to a full-time position. However, each host organization is different and depending on availability and budget, fellows may be asked to consult or be brought on full-time by their host organization. This, however, is not something that EDF asks of the participating organizations. Opportunities within EDF are limited; however, interested fellows are encouraged to view the EDF website regularly for job openings.

Who do fellows work for officially, EDF or the host organization?

Fellows officially are hired by and work for the organization at which they are placed. For select non-profit and public sector organizations, EDF sponsors and hires the fellow to serve with the host organization.

Fellows may refer to their employment status as working for "Organization X, as an EDF Climate Corps fellow."

When should I apply?

We have two deadlines, December 2nd 2019 and January 6th 2020. Applicants who apply by December 2nd will be eligible to be matched with host organizations in the first wave of offers at the end of February. Applicants who apply by the second deadline will be eligible to be matched in late March. We encourage applicants to apply early to get the best chance of being accepted to their preferred host organization.

What is the EDF Climate Corps Work Authorization Policy?

Does EDF Climate Corps conduct reference checks?

Yes, we do. We notify applicants who are moving forward in the selection process of our intent to check their listed references. We'll begin to reach out to references in mid-January, and ask that they respond to a survey within two weeks. This allows us to quickly move forward with interviews and facilitate host-fellow matches. Candidates that need to change or update reference information should contact the EDF Climate Corps Matching Team.